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Downton Abbey's Dan Stevens Comments on the Future of his Character

[Warning: Spoilers ahead!]

In the exclusive interview below, Dan Stevens, 30, who hails from London and plays Matthew Crawley, heir to Downton Abbey, talks about his role on the show (season three premieres Jan. 6 on PBS Masterpiece Classic). Although it has now been revealed that Stevens will be leaving the series after this season, the actor didn’t want to spoil anything for U.S. viewers and sidestepped the question of his character's future happiness.

What makes Matthew and Mary a good love match? Since the beginning, they’ve seemed like opposites; they’ve clashed and caused sparks. But opposites attract, and sparks make fire.

Can they have a happy ending? One of the constant dramatic pressures on the characters is that personal happiness is often sacrificed for the sake of the house. Everyone is striving to see the estate continue; they see its survival as the key to happiness.

What’s it like knowing that royals like Prince William and Duchess Kate are tuning in? What’s wonderful is that the show seems to appeal to a huge range of people.

You’re currently starring on Broadway as well, in The Heiress. What do you enjoy about doing period dramas? Aside from the fun costumes and beautiful settings, it’s a chance to explore where we’ve come from and how much or how little we’ve changed.

Would you like to comment on reports that you’ll be leaving the series in the fourth season? I could tell you, but then I’d have to have Mrs. Patmore cook you. …